Capitals, Senators pay tribute to victims of Washington plane crash

The crash on Wednesday night involved American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kan., and a U.S. military helicopter, killing 67 people.

Published Jan 30, 2025 • Last updated Jan 31, 2025 • 2 minute read

Fans participate in a moment of silence before Thursday’s game between the Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals, in tribute to the victims of the Washington, D.C., mid-air plane collision on Jan. 29, and former NHL player/executive and broadcaster Shawn Simpson. Photo by Justin Tang /The Canadian PressHockey took a backseat at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday morning.

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As the Washington Capitals prepared to face the Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre at night, their thoughts were with the people back home after an American Airlines flight collided mid-air with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.

The Senators and Capitals observed a moment of silence for the victims of the crash that involved American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kan., and military personnel before faceoff.

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The Senators also honoured the tragic passing of former National Hockey League executive and TSN 1200 broadcaster Shawn Simpson. He was also a former executive with both the Capitals and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Monumental Sports Entertainment, the Caps’ parent company, put out a statement that the organization extended its “thoughts and prayers to the families, loved ones and all of those impacted” by the crash that reportedly took the lives of 67 people.

A U.S. Coast Guard boat is stationed near the crash site of the American Airlines plane that collided with a military helicopter late Wednesday. Photo by Kayla Bartkowski /GETTY IMAGES“It’s a really sad and sombre day back home in D.C.,” head coach Spencer Carberry said after the Capitals’ skate. “On behalf of the organization, the players, staff and the entire organization I just want to express heartfelt condolences to all the families and people affected by the tragedy back home in D.C.

“I also want to thank the first responders who were on the scene immediately. It’s just a tough day back home and for us as an organization calling D.C. home, so I just wanted (people) to know we’re thinking about the people involved.”

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Carberry has spent a lot of time with first responders since taking over as Capitals head coach. His team,which wrapped up an extended trip in Ottawa on Thursday night, uses Reagan National all the time for travel.

“They put their lives on the line. When 99 per cent of people are running away they’re running into danger,” Carberry said. “They’re just trying to help in any way they can by responding to that scene.

“With what happened, it’s so close to home. All of us, players, staff and us have family members fly directly in and out of that airport constantly throughout the year. This one hits really close to home for us.”

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